Summer Salt @ The Sinclair 2/6

Photography by Ashley Hernandez

Review by Kyra Papillo

A stark contrast from their beachy, nostalgic surf-pop sound, Summer Salt performed at The Sinclair amid a snow-chilled evening on Friday. Headlining in support of their new album “Reside,” the Austin-based band first formed in 2012 with vocalist and guitarist Matthew Terry and drummer Eugene Chung. Rising to prominence with their 2024 EP “Driving to Hawaii,” Summer Salt established their fanbase through a blissfully scenic bossa nova and surf-pop sound that evokes a coastal road trip on a summer afternoon. 

Wabie, a Los Angeles-based soloist, opened the evening. With his blend of self-produced and self-written tracks, Wabie captures the nostalgia essential to contemporary indie music. Defying typical genre constraints, this musician demonstrates that music has no boundaries, using personal experiences to create art that resonates with authenticity. Following Wabie’s set, Boyscott took the stage, energizing the room with their indie rock, most notably through surfy guitar hooks and melodic vocal transitions. Hailing from Nashville, Tennessee, this group first gained recognition in 2015 with their debut album “Goose Bumps.”

Highlighting the experimental tones and instrumentation featured throughout their new album “Reside,” the band opened with “When I Fall.” Accompanied by whistling, harmonica, and a complementary wood block, the group made clear their intent to explore new sonic territory. This performance showcased Summer Salt’s versatility and their ability to evolve alongside their audience over the years.  

“Reside” as an album encompasses the push-and-pull tension with a past version of yourself. Creatively led by Eugene Chung and accompanied by Matthew Terry, Winston Triolo, and Anthony Barnett, the album brought Chung’s deeply personal experiences to fruition through collaborative artistry and musical experimentation. The record skillfully peppers in elements from their previous works while simultaneously redefining their sound through shimmering psychedelic tones, layered synths, and profound lyrical depth that invites listeners to continue listening. As a deeply personal and emotional piece of work, “Reside” documents a journey of self-discovery, while also battling the tension that comes from confronting hidden parts of yourself. 

True to Boston’s character, during a brief intermission, the band discussed the upcoming Super Bowl, sparking lively debates among the attendees. During the transition into their song “Smile,”  Chung displayed his versatility with a beautifully melodic Korean song, further emphasizing the group’s evolving dynamic. The band cultivated a mesmerizing stage presence by engaging with the crowd and savoring their occasional guitar solos. 

In keeping with their playful spirit, Summer Salt recounted a lecture they had received a decade earlier about being more connected and conversational with their audience; advice they have clearly taken to heart, maintaining an energy that felt both lighthearted and inclusive in between songs. Shifting gears, the band performed “Carry On,” a more upbeat, fast-paced track that had the crowd thoroughly enjoying themselves.

The band delivered enticing performances of “Revvin’ My Cj7” and “Driving to Hawaii,” which are among my personal favorites. These tracks cemented their place in the bedroom indie pop genre, creating music that transcends time and space for listeners. Despite the absence of sunscreen and warm weather, the band conjured a moment of tranquility where the snowfall awaiting the crowd outside seemed to disappear. 

Throughout the night, the audience remained captivated by the soothing vocals and mesmerizing bass, enhanced by the band’s signature chord progressions. Toward the end of their set, the crowd erupted, demanding an encore. Summer Salt returned to the stage as a violin teased the encore and continued to explore their discography. 

As the night came to a close, Summer Salt capped off the evening with a performance that honored their beachy roots while embracing their artistic transition. For longtime fans and newcomers alike, the show was a reminder of why the band has remained true to their core sound while inviting listeners to grow alongside them. Their new direction proved that artistic growth does not have to rely on abandoning their roots, but expanding and deepening what was already there. As the concert-goers left The Sinclair and stepped into fresh snowfall, they carried the memories and warmth that Summer Salt had created inside the venue.